Welcome to the latest edition of our Salon Design of the Month series, where we speak to real salon owners to learn more about how they got their salon businesses off the ground.
At Salons Direct, we love celebrating the nails, hair, beauty and barbering industries and the talented individuals behind them. Through this series, we aim to highlight the inspiring journeys of salon owners and their salon design choices. From village businesses to city hotspots, we’ll explore the diverse range of salons and the personalities behind them.
Get ready to be inspired by the stories of real salon owners…
This month, we caught up with Amy, owner of The Beauty Room
How did your salon begin?
The thought of My salon began during our first lockdown. I was on furlough working at a beauty salon. It was a good stepping stone for me, but I knew it wasn’t everything I wanted to be doing. I don’t like being told what to do a whole lot, so I knew one day I would have the drive to start something on my own.
I personally never saw myself with a huge salon & huge staff behind me, but knew I wanted something. So this is when my first salon, The Beauty Room, came about. My dad completely built the whole salon for me.
We got a small shed and did it up to be the perfect little starting haven. From top to bottom, both my parents helped with everything (I truly wouldn’t be anywhere without them). I’ve always worked so hard for everything I’ve got in life, but having them there has made things easier & more enjoyable along the way.
How did you decide upon the design of your salon?
I worked in a salon for two years before my dad and I decided I needed an upgrade. It got to a point where I felt as if I was working on top of myself, and with a huge range of treatments and a fully booked diary, it was time.
This was when we created my most recent salon in a larger cabin & this time, we again worked as a complete team: me, my dad & my mum. Making sure it was perfect. I’ve now worked in this cabin for one month & can honestly say it’s the best space I’ve ever created/worked in.
I worked so hard for the first two years of my self-employed life I was able to save enough money to buy a house with my boyfriend in December – my house is all neutrals, and I naturally have an eye for design & a passion for it, meaning I was beyond excited to get started on my salon,
I love the way my house makes me feel: Cosy & welcoming, so this was the exact look I was going for in my salon – something timeless, but that had a Scandinavian boho feel. I created and planned it all out myself & hoped it would look just as good in real life as it did on paper…. I’m over the moon with it.
What are some of your favourite products and tools to use in your salon?
My newest favourite tools are the Navy Pro tools; I’ve seen 1000 people raving about them but never knew if they’d be worth the spend. They really are & have already elevated my business. As well as these, I feel I found my favourite brand when I started my first salon two years ago… Glossify.
It was slightly smaller back then, but from the first day I used that black ebony shade, I was obsessed. It’s the only brand I go for when it comes to nails/gel and products; I’ve never found a product I don’t like and have recently been lucky enough to work with them more.
This has shown me how lush everyone who works at the company is. Making it a brand I honestly don’t think anyone can compete against.
You may also enjoy our Brand Spotlight with Glossify
How do you stand out from your competitors?
I feel as if there are enough people in this industry for everyone. Competition has never been something I’ve enjoyed, and I feel I’ve tried to stay in my own lane, find my own vibe and enjoy my moments within my business. It’s so easy to compare yourself to others in the industry, and I really don’t enjoy doing so, so I feel I stand out by being my committed self.
What do you think makes a successful salon?
I think a successful salon is built from determination. Without passion & determination in what you do, you will naturally give up – it’s like anything. Going to the gym, if you have no passion & you don’t put the time in, you won’t see results.
Everyone sometimes expects an overnight load of clients (as much as for me, this was the case & I was lucky enough to come out of lockdown and have a 70% full diary).
DO NOT put pressure on yourself; everyone has this idea it’ll just boom overnight, and that’s really not always the case. You need to put in that time and effort and show clients who and what you do. Clients like you not only for your work but also for your personality.
Some of my clients are my best friends now – and that’s down to honesty and getting to know each other.
How do you keep up to date with the latest industry trends?
I’ve been doing a lot on TikTok recently, and I’ve found naturally, I tend to post things I’d want to watch, and they usually do pretty well – but again, for me it’s all about enjoying what you are doing. Sometimes, putting too much pressure on yourself can really make it feel negative. I can usually tell what a trend may be when a number of clients that week get the same thing. That’s when you start to grasp it.
What advice can you give to others wanting to open a salon? 
DO IT. Starting your own salon is hard, don’t get me wrong, but my god, is it the best thing I’ve ever done. My advice is to stay aware, stay strict with policies and don’t let anyone walk all over you. I wish I had done this from the start because people know who you are from day one.
TAKE deposits! It gives you security but makes you feel comfortable, too. But also just enjoy it, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many clients, as one day you’ll have so many & you’ll be wishing you enjoyed the slower pace more.
What can we expect from your salon business in 2023 and beyond?
My business has finally gotten to a point where I feel content. I have some calmer approaches coming to 2024 & I’m excited to implement them into my business – I feel because of how fast everything got when building myself up, I’m ready to slow it all down and really go back to the basics of luxury treatments again. So, things will feel a lot more comfortable for my mental health, too.
Get the look with Salons Direct!
If you feel inspired by Amy’s salon interior, you too can achieve the warm and neutral aesthetic that Amy has created with Lotus furniture, which is available exclusively at Salons Direct!
Lotus Monroe Eyebrow/Eyelash Beauty Bed in Taupe
The Lotus Monroe Eyebrow/Eyelash Beauty Bed is perfect for all eyebrow and eyelash treatments – from tinting and lash extensions to threading, tweezing, and waxing. With its adjustable armrest and leg rest, reclining back, removable head pillow and back cushion, discreet storage tray, faux leather, and extra thick padding, it’s all about giving your client the comfiest experience possible.
Delivery 4-7 working days (mainland UK only)
12-month warranty on this item.
Dimensions: Seat Height: 60cm Seat Width: 60cm Total Width: 80cm Seat Depth: 50cm Total Depth: 90cm
Length at full recline: 175cm
Recommended maximum weight: 127kg/20 stone.
Also available in black and white.
Follow Amy’s Salon on Instagram @thebeautyroom.amylouise
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